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The best time to visit Iceland

Updated: 11th January 2019

Iceland offers adventure throughout the year from the warm months of summer perfect for outdoor pursuits to the cold winter months when the Northern Lights make their presence known. Here's our guide on the best time to visit Iceland with info on the seasons and a calendar of events.

The weather chart shows the average daily minimum and maximum temperatures in Celsius and the average monthly precipitation.

VISIT ICELAND IN THE SUMMER MONTHS FOR BETTER OUTDOOR SIGHTSEEING

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a milder climate than expected though winters are still cold and summers warm rather than hot. If you are interested in exploring the landscape, the best time to visit is between June and August but if you're in search of the Northern Lights then September to March are the best months to visit Iceland.

Seasons and Weather

There is a common saying in Iceland: ‘if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes’. It's invariably true as weather conditions can change dramatically within a day. However, Iceland does experience four distinct seasons and each brings with it a reason to visit.

Spring in Iceland

Iceland awakens from its winter slumber in April, which marks the arrival of spring. After the ice and snow thaws in March, temperatures continue to rise steadily so the days grow warmer and better suited for outdoor exploration. Vegetation grows greener and migrating whales and dolphins being to frequent the waters surrounding Iceland in the search of food. This makes April and May good months for whale watching.

The spring equinox is rumoured to bring increased solar activity so it's still possible to catch a glimpse of the famed Northern Lights until early April though the increasing hours of daylight does mean that you'll be out late during your search.

Summer in Iceland

The summer months of June through to August are considered the best time to visit Iceland with mild temperatures and long days of sunlight. This culminates in the summer solstice and the phenomenon known as the 'midnight sun'. Towards the end of June, the sun barely dips behind the horizon, bathing Iceland in an eerie twilight that the locals take full advantage of with festivals and parties. Though you may want to bring an eye mask as nights without darkness do take some getting used to.

Summer is ideal for self-drive holidays and any trips that involve plenty of sightseeing and outdoor pursuits. This makes it the most popular time of year to visit, which means higher prices and larger crowds at the best-known attractions, especially those in the Golden Circle.

Autumn in Iceland

Autumn (September – early November) is a fairly brief season in Iceland but also one of the most picturesque as the national parks turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow and vivid green moss covers ancient lava formations. Temperatures do become cooler and the sun starts setting once again though there's still plenty of daylight to enable the same range of activities you'd enjoy during the summer months.

What's different to the summer months is the lack of crowds and the lower prices for hotel rooms and flights. Plus, these months herald the beginning of the Northern Lights season and with warmer temperatures than winter, the lakes and rivers remain ice-free and reflect the spectacular display of colour on the water's surface. This makes it another great time of year to visit, especially for anyone with an interest in photography.

Winter in Iceland

The colder winter months of November through to February brings snow to the northern regions of Iceland but the country receives far less snowfall than many people presume. The countryside is often basked in a blanket of crisp white snow, making it the best time to visit if you want to enjoy any snow-based activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding.

It's a magical time to visit Iceland with longer nights that mean more opportunities to spot the Aurora Borealis. However, the snow can mean that some roads are impassable so if travelling at this time be prepared for potential changes of itinerary and delays but don't forget to enjoy it – the scenery is amazing and it’s just all part of being in Iceland. If snow is what you're visiting for then you can plan your visit using the handy Snow Forecast Map.

Climate in Akureyri

Festivals and Events

As if the incredible Aurora Borealis wasn't enough of a reason to visit Iceland, a number of exciting festivals and events are held throughout the year.

Reykjavik International Games

In late January Reykjavik hosts the International Games for a ninth year with athletes competing in games as varied as weightlifting, archery, table tennis and karate. The games are held in world-class facilities with the alpine skiing events taking place in ski resorts just 40 minutes outside of the capital.

Dark Music Days

Bringing together the best of Iceland's composers in the darkest days of winter, the Dark Music Days festivals is held in Reykjavik towards the end of January with concerts held in the Harpa Concert Hall, an impressive steelwork structure fashioned with glass panels, and Reykjavik Cathedral. With solo and chamber concerts as well as percussion and electrical, it's a great time to visit for music lovers.

Secret Solstice Festival

This multi-genre event takes place in Reykjavik during the month of June and showcases both established artists as well as exciting up-and-coming talent in the midnight sun. The unique party atmosphere takes full advantage of the Nordic myths of summer solstice and although only in its third year has received critical acclaim.

Icelandic Horse Festival

Showcasing the best of Iceland's horses and riders, the Icelandic Horse Festival is the largest outdoor sporting event held on the island with international participants joining in the racing and dressage categories. The festival starts sometime in June and lasts five days.

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